Start 'em Sit 'em Week 7: Tough Calls for High-Profile Fantasy Stars

Week 7 of the 2013-2014 NFL season is upon us. It brings us a few interesting fantasy football matchups for some of the NFL's best fantasy stars that will have fantasy owners asking that eons-old question: "Start'em or Sit'em?"

Here are some players to keep an eye on going into Week 7. 

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford 

Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions have one of the most dangerous offensive units in the NFL, but with Calvin Johnson still not looking 100 percent and a tough matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, he might not be a sure thing in Week 7. 

The Bengals are a solid team with a surprisingly strong defense (the ninth best in the NFL against the pass). Stafford—who can be a powerhouse for fantasy owners—has only put up over 300 yards on one occasion this season.

With the injury issues at wide receiver, you might want to think twice about giving Stafford the start against a Bengals defense that held Tom Brady and the Patriots to just six points a few weeks ago. 

VERDICT: Sit'em!

Running Back

Arian Foster

Arian Foster is another guy that can make or break your fantasy matchup. In Week 7, the decision to play him could be very tough for some owners. Foster has had a few solid games this season, but he's only found the end zone once. 

Relying on Foster purely for his yard output can be tough, and this week it'll be even tougher. This week, Foster and the seemingly hopeless Houston Texans will take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and their stellar defensive unit. 

Kansas City has one of the best defenses in the NFL against the pass, but they aren't as strong against the run. What they do excel in is keeping their opponents out of the end zone.

Kansas City has only given up double-digit points in three of their games, and they've never allowed more than 17. Relying on a running back like Foster, who is a big part of the passing game that is having a very tough time, might not be the best choice for fantasy owners in Week 7. 

VERDICT: Sit'em!

Wide Receiver

Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas and the Denver Broncos made things interesting against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6, but in the end, they got the victory. Thomas currently leads the Broncos explosive offense in receiving with over 500 yards through the air and four touchdowns so far. 

So, how can you possibly question leaving Demaryius in your lineup this week? Peyton manning and the Broncos had a very pedestrian week against Jacksonville and will meet a much tougher opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts not only hold a 4-1 record, but they have the fifth-best passing defense in the NFL. 

Because the Colts field one of the best passing defenses, Peyton won't have his usual privilege of throwing to each and every one of his weapons. The Colts have the skill to line up and take away a few of Peyton's weapons, and Demaryius is one of his best.

Who am I kidding? Who isn't going to start one of Peyton Manning's receivers? 

VERDICT: Start'em!

Tight End

Jordan Cameron

Jordan Cameron has taken the NFL by storm, racking up a ton of yards and a bunch of touchdowns. This week, he'll head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. Cameron is a young player who will line up across one of the hottest defensive squads in the NFL in Week 7. 

The Packers have stymied their opponents through the past couple weeks. They've really made an effort to support Aaron Rodgers and the beat-up Packers offense. This week, Cleveland has the unfortunate opportunity of running into a buzzsaw that is the Packers defense. 

While the Packers defense and Lambeau field can be intimidating, how can someone resist playing one of the only weapons on the Cleveland offense? 

VERDICT: Start'em!

Defense

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have put up some outstanding numbers as a defensive unit...most weeks. Other weeks, like Week 5, they don't show up and allow big numbers to sub-par teams. Now, the Broncos have to take on Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7, which is certainly no small task. 

The Broncos will have to match wits with one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, who has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The Colts have a number of talented young players who have a huge opportunity in Week 7 to make some big plays against a defense that has allowed at least 19 points in every game this season. 

VERDICT: Sit'em!

Kicker

Mason Crosby

Last year, you wouldn't even question if you were going to play Mason Crosby or not. Heck, Mason Crosby probably wasn't even on a roster in your league after he missed so many kicks last season. Now, especially after the game against Detroit, Crosby is looking like a solid option at kicker once again. 

Maybe not.

Green Bay's injuries are well-documented, especially the injuries to Randall Cobb, James Jones and Clay Matthews. Without most of his wide receivers, Aaron Rodgers will have a hard time getting the offense rolling, which was pretty evident against the Ravens in Week 6. 

Crosby also missed a kick against the Ravens, but he was able to redeem himself at the end of the first half on a second chance. Either way, rethink playing Mason Crosby.

The Browns have a surprisingly great defense against both the run and the pass, and the Packer offense is banged up. Don't expect Crosby to have many opportunities to put points on the board in Week 7. 

VERDICT: Sit'em!